upcoming events

CONFERENCES NOT TO BE MISSED

BELOW IS A LIST OF EVENTS IN THE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY TO WATCH OUT FOR.

By: Lusanda Tamesi

The 2nd Life in the Universe Conference

This conference is about in-depth research on understanding and gaining knowledge about evolution of life in the universe. It takes place from 22-24 November as a virtual event.

Proceedings of the first conference are available on YouTube at “Life in the Universe Symposium 2020”.

The 2nd Life in the Universe Conference is sponsored by the Breakthrough Initiatives, the Palaeontological Scientific Trust and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Register on: Litu2021.org

Science Forum South Africa

Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) will take place for the 7th time at the CSIR International Convention Centre Pretoria, South Africa. Conversations will be under the theme: “Igniting conversations for World Science Forum”.

This three-day event takes place from 1-3 December virtually and in-person, in preparation of the World Science Forum (WSF) in 2022 which will take place in Cape Town from 5-9 December 2022.

The theme for the WSF 2022 is “Science for Social Justice”.

Register on: esastap.org.za/sfsa2021/#

The Annual AFAS Conference: AFAS 2022

A hybrid, in-person and virtual, conference that will be a second of many to come from 14-18 March 2022. This conference will be in line with AFAS objectives – sharing astronomy research from all over Africa and stimulating discussions about future research topics.

In addition to discussing how African countries and the rest of the world can enhance their collaboration, the conference will focus on outreach, communication and education initiatives associated with Astronomy in Africa.

This conference will be led by AFAS committee and organisers, African Planetarium Association (APA), AfricanEuropean Radio Astronomy Platform (AERAP) and African Science Stars.

Register on: africanastronomicalsociety. org/afas2022-ga-registration-form/

2024 International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly

“It will be the first time this assembly is held on African soil in what will be the 105th year of existence of this prestigious global association of professional astronomers,” says a statement by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

This event will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, as it is home to Southern Africa’s largest telescope, SKA.

By putting together a global audience in Africa to bring attention to science, attract funding, develop programmes and create jobs (whilst putting other African countries on the map), this event is not only an educational injection but also an economic one.

Become an ambassador and register here: astronomy2024capetown.org